U.S. launches Section 301 probes into 16 trading partners targeting semiconductors, solar and more

The U.S. administration announced Section 301 trade investigations into 16 major trading partners — including Taiwan, the EU, Japan, South Korea, India, Mexico and several Southeast Asian nations — alleging long-term excess capacity and decoupling that harm U.S. manufacturing jobs. The USTR named 13 targeted sectors: aluminum, autos, batteries, electronics, machinery, paper, plastics, robotics, satellites, semiconductors, shipbuilding, solar components and steel. The move follows the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down tariffs imposed under IEEPA, prompting the administration to pivot to investigations under the Trade Act’s Section 301, which requires formal procedures including public hearings (a hearing is scheduled for May 6). USTR Jamieson Greer signaled more 301 probes are likely, including additional investigations tied to forced labor, and indicated further waves of actions may follow. Market observers view the step as part of a broader, persistent strategy to rebuild trade protections ahead of political pressures (midterms). The development raises uncertainty for supply chains — notably semiconductors and solar supply — and could spur retaliatory responses or further trade frictions affecting global manufacturing and tech supply chains.